Did you know that people who are self-conscious about their teeth worry their smile could affect their ability to find a new partner or job? Cosmetic dentistry can provide a huge boost to self-confidence and help you lead a happier life.
Here are some common dental problems that can be solved thanks to cosmetic dentistry, along with a list of ways to maintain a beautiful smile!
Discolouration
Discolouration occurs when substances cause the enamel on your teeth to take on a yellowish or even brown tint. Common culprits include regular coffee, tea, cola, wine and tobacco consumption. Some diseases, medications,environmental factors and/or genetics may also contribute. Your cosmetic dentist can use a chemical process called bleaching to help reduce the appearance of stains and make teeth whiter. They can usually perform this whitening procedure in one or more hour-long sessions.
Chipped Teeth
Your teeth can be chipped in a variety of ways, including trauma (like taking a hockey puck to the mouth) or biting a particularly hard food. Veneers are a good solution for chipping. These are thin shells that attach to the front of your teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will likely recommend porcelain veneers because they are strong, durable, and do not become stained or discoloured. They will first make a mould of your teeth and then custom-create the veneers. At your next session, your dentist will “glue” the veneers to your chipped teeth with a composite resin.
Misshapen Teeth
While there may be no functional consequences to misshapen teeth, they can severely affect your confidence. Bonding is a form of restoration which can last several years if properly maintained, and this can be easily performed on multiple teeth in one session. Your cosmetic dentist can apply a composite resin made of a material that hardens to resemble healthy natural teeth. To do this, they simply place the resin on the misshapen teeth and shape it. Once the resin sets, the misshapen teeth now appear smooth and well-proportioned.
Crooked Teeth
If you have crooked teeth, you can improve your smile with a reshaping and contouring procedure. If you have otherwise healthy teeth but simply want to adjust your smile, your cosmetic dentist will recommend this procedure. They will reshape or contour the enamel to alter the shape, position, or length of your teeth.
How to Maintain a Beautiful Smile
Whether you’ve just had your teeth professionally whitened or repaired, here are some tips to remember afterwards so you can keep your smile healthy and beautiful:
Create a Good Oral Hygiene Routine
Creating a routine can make it easier to practise good oral hygiene and maintain a healthier smile. Brushing your teeth should always be done every day, twice a day. Don’t forget to include flossing into your routine as well. Once you’re done brushing and flossing, swish and rinse with mouthwash. This will improve your oral health by reducing bacteria and protecting your teeth and gums from decay or infection.
Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush
Toothbrushes are not created equal. Certain ones that are rigid can actually do more harm than good and can even contribute to receding gums. Always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and, if possible, opt for one that has an oscillating head. These can get rid of bacteria and plaque along the teeth and gum line more effectively than manual toothbrushes. But no matter which type you use, avoid pressing down hard or using it aggressively. You don’t need to use a lot of force to remove plaque. Even with softer brushes, it’s better to be gentle.
Quit Smoking
If you’ve had a treatment to transform your smile, there are many habits that can escalate discoloration and damage over time. Smoking is a prime example of this. Cigarettes can drastically increase your chance of developing stubborn stains, infections, and cancer. Even with professional whitening, smoking can cause teeth to yellow after a few months.
Reduce Certain Foods and Beverages
There are many foods and beverages that can also stain and encourage decay, which can weaken your enamel. To avoid more treatments in the future, limit your consumption of acidic foods and beverages. Items that are high in sugar should also be limited, since sugar creates an acidic environment in your mouth which helps bacteria thrive. Avoid foods and beverages such as soft drinks, sports drinks, wine, coffee, candy, sugary treats, berries, pickles, citrus, and dried fruits.
Drink More Water
Drinking more water is a simple way to improve the health of your body and mouth. The problem is that many of us don’t drink nearly enough throughout the day. However, by increasing your water consumption, you can reduce bad breath, bacteria, and cavities, improve saliva production, and strengthen your enamel.
Want to learn more about our available dental services? We’re happy to help you maximize the beauty and strength of your smile. Get in touch with us today!
